This semester has been an exciting one in Mount Madonna’s high school Spanish classes! In addition to learning new grammar and vocabulary and practicing conversational, presentational and interpretive communication skills, students were taken out of the classroom and into the kitchen where they were able to learn how to prepare traditional dishes originating from Spanish-speaking countries. Some dishes were new to the students, while others were recipes that they had practiced within their own homes and shared with us in the kitchen.
“Cooking is a very useful skill,” commented eleventh grader Luca Peruzzi. “Knowing how to prepare a healthy dish through another cultural is practical and fun!”
Eleventh grade students were asked to prepare a cooking demonstration in Spanish to present to their peers in the kitchen, showing how the dish is prepared, plated and then served. Grammar and vocabulary focused on using the imperative or command tense along with the subjunctive tense used to express recommendations and value. Students were asked to amplify their use of food vocabulary by including words focused on flavors, cooking technique and nutrition.
Junior Noah Kaplan enjoyed developing his cooking skills and found the experience very valuable. He said that learning about the history and origins of certain dishes is an essential part of learning another culture.
During the demo, the peer audience was encouraged to ask questions about the preparation and ingredients used in the dish. All the students were provided with a recipe in Spanish to follow during the demonstration, which was created based on the research done by each pair. The recipe and presentation also included the history and cultural significance of their dish. Finally we had the pleasure of enjoying each dish and discussing our own experience with the dish.
“Including more of these learning experiences would be very helpful and adds richness to the curriculum,” commented junior Anika Compoginis.
The vegetarian dishes prepared by the students included tortilla española from España, chilaquiles and churros from México, empanadas from Argentina and pupusas from El Salvador.
Students also discussed the origins of specific foods and their culture influence.
This month, both the ninth and tenth grade classes will participate in cooking instructions focused on Peruvian cuisine and traditional ingredients like corn, cocoa, chiles and tubers and their agricultural history and creative uses in cuisine.
“Learning skills in the kitchen is not only a crucial part of learning another culture,” said eleventh grade Mara Peruzzi, “it also helps prepare us for college. Having more opportunities like this will allow us to grow culturally and gives us important life skills.”
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Nestled among the redwoods on 355 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a community of learners dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville
